Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Program, 5723-5724 [2019-03003]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2019 / Notices (7) days in advance of the meeting. Registrations will be accepted on a space available basis. Access to the meeting will not be allowed without registration. All attendees will be required to sign in at the meeting registration desk. Please bring photo identification and allow extra time prior to the meeting. Anyone requiring special accommodations should notify Ms. Trautman at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. Purpose: The GAC will act as the focal point for justice information systems integration activities in order to facilitate the coordination of technical, funding, and legislative strategies in support of the Administration’s justice priorities. The GAC will guide and monitor the development of the Global information sharing concept. It will advise the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, OJP; the Attorney General; the President (through the Attorney General); and local, state, tribal, and federal policymakers in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The GAC will also advocate for strategies for accomplishing a Global information sharing capability. Interested persons whose registrations have been accepted may be permitted to participate in the discussions at the discretion of the meeting chairman and with approval of the DFO. Tracey Trautman, Global DFO, Deputy Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. [FR Doc. 2019–03046 Filed 2–21–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–18–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Program ACTION: Notice. The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning a proposed extension for the authority to conduct the information collection request (ICR) titled, ‘‘Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Program.’’ This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to reduce paperwork and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Feb 21, 2019 Jkt 247001 respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Consideration will be given to all written comments received by April 23, 2019. ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation, including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden, may be obtained free by contacting Dennis Austin by telephone at 202–693– 3056, TTY 1–877–889–5627 (these are not toll-free numbers), or by email at Austin.Dennis@dol.gov. Submit written comments about or requests for a copy of this ICR by mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance, Room S–4520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, by email at Austin.Dennis@dol.gov, or by Fax at 202–693–3975. DATES: Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). As part of continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, DOL conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information before submitting them to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final approval. This program helps to ensure requested data is provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements can be properly assessed. Since 1987, all State Workforce Agencies (SWAs), except the U.S. Virgin Islands, have been required by regulation at 20 CFR part 602 to operate BAM programs to assess the accuracy of their unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments in three programs: State UI, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), and Unemployment Compensation for Exservicemembers (UCX). Beginning in 2001, BAM was modified to include the sampling and investigation of UI claims denied for monetary, separation, or nonseparation issues. BAM is one of the tools DOL uses to measure and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the UI program. By investigating small representative weekly samples of both paid and denied UI claims, each SWA is able to estimate reliably the number and dollar value of proper and improper payments; the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5723 number of proper and improper denials of claims for UI benefits; the rates of occurrence of these proper and improper payments and denials; and the error types, error causes, and the parties that are responsible for the errors. Paid Claims Accuracy. Each week, SWAs select random samples of both intrastate and interstate original payments (including combined wage claims) made for a week of UI benefits under the State UI, UCX, and UCFE programs. A sample of 360 cases per year are pulled in the 10 SWAs with the smallest UI program workloads (defined as the average annual UI weeks paid during the last five years) and 480 cases per year in the other SWA. SWA BAM staff audit each selected claim, examining all aspects of a claimant’s eligibility to receive UI benefits during the sampled week. The findings are entered into an automated database that is maintained on a computer located in each SWA. Denied Claims Accuracy (DCA). Each week, SWAs select random samples from three separate sampling frames constructed from the universes of UI claims for which eligibility was denied for monetary, separation, and nonseparation reasons. All SWAs sample a minimum of 150 cases of each denial type in each calendar year. SWAs’ BAM staff members review agency records and contact claimants, employers, and all other relevant parties to verify information in agency records or obtain additional information pertinent to the determination that denied eligibility for UI benefits. Unlike the investigation of paid claims, in which all prior determinations affecting claimant eligibility for the compensated week selected for the sample are evaluated, the investigation of denied claims is limited to the issue upon which the denial determination is based. The findings are entered into an automated database that is maintained on a computer located in each SWA. DOL maintains a database of each SWA’s BAM paid and denied claims cases, minus any personally identifying information. DOL uses BAM data to measure SWA performance with respect to UI payment integrity and to meet the DOL’s reporting requirements of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (IPIA), the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010, and the Government Performance and Results Act. DOL also relies heavily on BAM data for information on UI operations, such as claims filing method, UI wage replacement rates, and claimant characteristics. The results of the BAM survey are reported annually on the ETA website at the following E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1 5724 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 36 / Friday, February 22, 2019 / Notices link: https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/ bqc.asp. The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (31 U.S.C. 3321) authorizes this information collection. This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments to the contact shown in the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be written to receive consideration, and they will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of the final ICR. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB control number 1205– 0245. Submitted comments will also be a matter of public record for this ICR and posted on the internet, without redaction. DOL encourages commenters not to include personally identifiable information, confidential business data, or other sensitive statements/ information in any comments. DOL is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; • evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Agency: DOL–ETA. Type of Review: Extension without changes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Feb 21, 2019 Jkt 247001 Title of Collection: Unemployment Insurance Benefit Accuracy Measurement. Form: BAM State Operations Handbook (ET Handbook 395, 5th edition). OMB Control Number: 1205–0245. Affected Public: State Workforce Agencies (Primary), individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 117,962. Frequency: Varies. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 165,074. Estimated Average Time per Response: Varies. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 535,312. Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden: $0. Molly E. Conway, Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Labor. [FR Doc. 2019–03003 Filed 2–21–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–FW–P I. Background DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration [OMB Control No. 1219–0065] Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Petitions for Modification of Mandatory Safety Standards Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor. ACTION: Request for public comments. AGENCY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection for Petitions for Modification of Mandatory Safety Standards. SUMMARY: All comments must be received on or before April 23, 2019. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements of DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below. • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA– 2018–0043. • Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452. • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via the East elevator. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov (email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202) 693–9441 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sfmt 4703 Section 101(c), of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. Section 811(c), provides that a mine operator or a representative of miners may petition the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to modify the application of a mandatory safety standard. A petition for modification may be granted if the Secretary determines (1) that an alternative method of achieving the result of such standard exists which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard, or (2) that the application of such standard to such mine will result in a diminution of safety to the miners in such mine. Under 30 CFR 44.9, mine operators must post a copy of each petition for modification concerning the mine on the mine’s bulletin board and maintain the posting until a ruling on the petition becomes final. This applies only to mines for which there is no representative of miners. Under 30 CFR 44.10, detailed guidance for filing a petition for modification is provided for the operator of the affected mine or any representative of the miners at that mine. The petition must be in writing, filed with the Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, and a copy of the petition served by the filing party (the mine operator or representative of miners) on the other party. Under 30 CFR 44.11(a), the petition for modification must contain the E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5723-5724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03003]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; 
Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Program

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor's (DOL's) Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning a proposed 
extension for the authority to conduct the information collection 
request (ICR) titled, ``Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Program.'' 
This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).

DATES: Consideration will be given to all written comments received by 
April 23, 2019.

ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation, 
including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency 
of response, and estimated total burden, may be obtained free by 
contacting Dennis Austin by telephone at 202-693-3056, TTY 1-877-889-
5627 (these are not toll-free numbers), or by email at 
Austin.Dennis@dol.gov.
    Submit written comments about or requests for a copy of this ICR by 
mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance, Room S-4520, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, by email at 
Austin.Dennis@dol.gov, or by Fax at 202-693-3975.

    Authority:  44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A).


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of continuing efforts to reduce 
paperwork and respondent burden, DOL conducts a pre-clearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of 
information before submitting them to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for final approval. This program helps to ensure requested 
data is provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and 
financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly 
understood, and the impact of collection requirements can be properly 
assessed.
    Since 1987, all State Workforce Agencies (SWAs), except the U.S. 
Virgin Islands, have been required by regulation at 20 CFR part 602 to 
operate BAM programs to assess the accuracy of their unemployment 
insurance (UI) benefit payments in three programs: State UI, 
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), and 
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX). Beginning in 
2001, BAM was modified to include the sampling and investigation of UI 
claims denied for monetary, separation, or nonseparation issues.
    BAM is one of the tools DOL uses to measure and reduce waste, 
fraud, and abuse in the UI program. By investigating small 
representative weekly samples of both paid and denied UI claims, each 
SWA is able to estimate reliably the number and dollar value of proper 
and improper payments; the number of proper and improper denials of 
claims for UI benefits; the rates of occurrence of these proper and 
improper payments and denials; and the error types, error causes, and 
the parties that are responsible for the errors.
    Paid Claims Accuracy. Each week, SWAs select random samples of both 
intrastate and interstate original payments (including combined wage 
claims) made for a week of UI benefits under the State UI, UCX, and 
UCFE programs. A sample of 360 cases per year are pulled in the 10 SWAs 
with the smallest UI program workloads (defined as the average annual 
UI weeks paid during the last five years) and 480 cases per year in the 
other SWA. SWA BAM staff audit each selected claim, examining all 
aspects of a claimant's eligibility to receive UI benefits during the 
sampled week. The findings are entered into an automated database that 
is maintained on a computer located in each SWA.
    Denied Claims Accuracy (DCA). Each week, SWAs select random samples 
from three separate sampling frames constructed from the universes of 
UI claims for which eligibility was denied for monetary, separation, 
and nonseparation reasons. All SWAs sample a minimum of 150 cases of 
each denial type in each calendar year. SWAs' BAM staff members review 
agency records and contact claimants, employers, and all other relevant 
parties to verify information in agency records or obtain additional 
information pertinent to the determination that denied eligibility for 
UI benefits. Unlike the investigation of paid claims, in which all 
prior determinations affecting claimant eligibility for the compensated 
week selected for the sample are evaluated, the investigation of denied 
claims is limited to the issue upon which the denial determination is 
based. The findings are entered into an automated database that is 
maintained on a computer located in each SWA.
    DOL maintains a database of each SWA's BAM paid and denied claims 
cases, minus any personally identifying information. DOL uses BAM data 
to measure SWA performance with respect to UI payment integrity and to 
meet the DOL's reporting requirements of the Improper Payments 
Information Act of 2002 (IPIA), the Improper Payments Elimination and 
Recovery Act of 2010, and the Government Performance and Results Act. 
DOL also relies heavily on BAM data for information on UI operations, 
such as claims filing method, UI wage replacement rates, and claimant 
characteristics. The results of the BAM survey are reported annually on 
the ETA website at the following

[[Page 5724]]

link: https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/bqc.asp. The Improper Payments 
Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (31 U.S.C. 3321) authorizes this 
information collection.
    This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency 
generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and 
the public is generally not required to respond to an information 
collection, unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA and displays a 
currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any 
other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to 
penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that 
does not display a valid Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 
1320.6.
    Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments to the 
contact shown in the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be written to 
receive consideration, and they will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval of the final ICR. In order to help ensure 
appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB control number 
1205-0245.
    Submitted comments will also be a matter of public record for this 
ICR and posted on the internet, without redaction. DOL encourages 
commenters not to include personally identifiable information, 
confidential business data, or other sensitive statements/information 
in any comments.
    DOL is particularly interested in comments that:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
     evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
     enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses.
    Agency: DOL-ETA.
    Type of Review: Extension without changes.
    Title of Collection: Unemployment Insurance Benefit Accuracy 
Measurement.
    Form: BAM State Operations Handbook (ET Handbook 395, 5th edition).
    OMB Control Number: 1205-0245.
    Affected Public: State Workforce Agencies (Primary), individuals, 
businesses, and not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 117,962.
    Frequency: Varies.
    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 165,074.
    Estimated Average Time per Response: Varies.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 535,312.
    Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden: $0.

Molly E. Conway,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Labor.
[FR Doc. 2019-03003 Filed 2-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-FW-P
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